Empowering Communities to Protect Their Ocean
BLUE HALO MONTSERRAT is a partnership between the Government of Montserrat and the Waitt Institute. Our goal is to develop and implement solutions for sustainable ocean management.
In February 2015, the Government of Montserrat and the Waitt Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding that launched Blue Halo Montserrat. The goal is to foster the sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable use of ocean resources for present and future generations. Over a five-year period, we will develop and implement sustainable ocean policies and a marine spatial plan through a process that deeply engages stakeholders and is based on scientific, social, and economic data.
FROM THE FIELD
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KEY PARTNERS
Government of Montserrat
TIMELINE
2015
2016
2017
2018
Government of Montserrat & Waitt Institute Sign a Memorandum of Understanding, officially creating Blue Halo Montserrat.
Scientific Assessment of Montserrat's marine resources and fish stocks.
Community consultations conducted to understand local priorities for conservation, ocean uses and zone boundaries. An analysis of Montserrat's legal is completed to understand existing laws and regulations.
Waitt Institute provides recommendations for a Sustainable Ocean Policy, and continues to engage local communities through lectures, events, ocean camps, social media, and radio.
The Government of Montserrat appoints 20 ocean stakeholders to the Blue Halo Montserrat steering committee, which serves as ambassadors to the community and drives the Marine Spatial Planning process.
The steering committee identifies conservation priorities, reviews scientific data, and continues to consult with communities in order to draft a Marine Spatial Plan.
The legal framework is drafted to codify the Marine Spatial Plan.
Experimental Fish Trap Program is created with Montserrat Youth & Apprenticeship Program.
Montserrat Ocean Fund launches in partnership with Montserrat National Trust.
REPORTS & RESOURCES
SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL REPORTS
A Review of the Ecology and Economics of Montserrat’s Marine Resources — June 2015
Legal & Institutional Assessment of Authorities & Approaches — October 2015
Community Consultations Findings – November 2016
An Assessment of Montserrat’s Fisheries – November 2016
Rationale for Strong Protection – September 2018
Montserrat Scientific Assessment - January 2019
SITE MANAGER
ROBIN RAMDEEN
As Site Manager for Montserrat and Antigua & Barbuda, she focuses on providing the Waitt Institute’s ocean management toolkit to the communities and governments and on executing program strategy. She is based on Antigua but visits Montserrat weekly.
Location:
Island:
Population:
Exclusive Economic Zone:
Threats to the ocean:
Lesser Antilles, Caribbean
102 square kilometers
4,900 people
7,188 square kilometers
Volcanic Eruption
Overfishing
Mangrove deforestation
Climate Change
ABOUT MONTSERRAT
FISHING FOR
THE FUTURE
EXPERIMENTAL
FISH TRAP
PROGRAM, MONTSERRAT